Airlines Offering Waivers for Northeast Passengers

The impending snowstorm in the Northeast is projected to cancel a great number of flights, and airlines are already reacting to the threat. Several carriers have begun issuing waivers for passengers heading to the region.

• Don't wait in line behind everyone else: Find a free agent at another gate or find a rebooking station. Most major airline hubs have manned stations where rebooking can take place.

• Pick up the phone: It's often easier to speak to a phone agent to rebook your ticket. Make sure to get your record locator and/or your ticket number from your boarding pass to provide everything you need for the phone agent. Bonus: the phone agent is probably less stressed.

• Go online and check the available outbound flights: Plug your departure and arrival airports into a tool such as seatguru.com or even into your airline's website. It will usually give you all of the possible routes that can be flown in one day.

• Get away from the airport for a bit: If you already know you'll be stuck for a few days, get away from the airport. Pick a hotel away from the airport area, but close to a rapid public transport system. This will get you a cheaper room, cheaper food and less stress.